*
banner

MBE Award to Brass for Africa charity founder

Jim Trott, the founder and Executive Director of the Brass for Africa charity has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

Jim Trott
  Jim Trott has been awarded the MBE for his work with the Brass for Africa charity

Jim Trott, the Executive Director and founder of the Brass for Africa charity has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours.

The airline pilot founded the organisation in 2009, and which today employs 45 staff from the communities it works in within regions of Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia.

Over 1,000 youngsters have benefited from educational programmes which now include twice weekly music lessons as well as broad platform of social awareness issues surrounding equality, disability inclusion, work place readiness and community engagement.

Long term impact

It is this aspect which Jim feels is making the greatest long term impact. "We are not just getting youngsters to enjoy playing musical instruments. We are giving people life skills and hopefully opening doors that will see them help broaden opportunities within their communities."

There is also an international scope to the work, with Jim particularly proud that the charity's link to the Corps of Army Music in the UK has seen four young men join the British Army.

"To see them graduate into the Corps of Army Music was a wonderful endorsement of their talent and the benefits of the connection we have made. We are hopeful others will follow in their footsteps, but we are also thrilled that so many of our students are now going on to make a huge difference in their local and regional communities."

Focus

He added: "The focus of our works has broadened over the years with issues such as female equality, disability inclusion, autism and HIV outreach forming central stanchions on which we now try to make a difference.

The resilience and commitment of those we work with has helped fuel what we hope will become a transformational process in these areas."

The focus of our works has broadened over the years with issues such as female equality, disability inclusion, autism and HIV outreach forming central stanchions on which we now try to make a differenceJim Trott

Endorsement

Further endorsement of the work undertaken by Brass for Africa has come with the release of the film 'TOPOWA!' which has been screened as part of the famous Raindance Film Festival, as well as the support that continues from a growing list of long term supporters and sponsors.

Jim added: "2020 has been a year of immense challenges, especially in the communities in which Brass for Africa is based, but that amazing resilience of everyone involved has seen us through.

I'm very honoured to receive the MBE — but even more proud that in reality it is recognition of the dedication and commitment of everyone who has played a part in Brass for Africa's success."

Presentation

Jim received notification of his award at the beginning of December and now hopes to be able to receive the MBE later this year.

"Due to Covid-19 I was notified by e-mail. We have been informed that it is hoped that an appropriate presentation will be made in 2021, but as to when I'm not quite sure as yet."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd